Thursday, 5 May 2016

Last Sunday dawned warm and bright, a perfect, bucolic country day to spend in idyllic surroundings talking to people who are embarking on the great adventure of "tying the knot" with the love of their life.

There were a number of stalls promoting formal wear for both the bride and groom, delicious things to eat, beautiful flowers, stylists and photographers.

Our styling came together very comfortably

Jane Arnold - the eccentric book lady and civil celebrant and I shared a table. Our styling came together seemlessly - vintage pieces mixed with fresh flowers and all the paraphernalia associated with being a Celebrant.

We were impressed by the response of those who spoke with us - we are educating and enthusing people all the time. There seemed a desire to make the wedding day more affordable and meaningful and less ostentatious than it has on other occasions and I wonder if that is because of the nature of the setting, in a country garden under the hanger in beautiful Hampshire.

Jane's fabulous books and vintage wedding photos

There was an opportunity to showcase what we do as Celebrants during the afternoon. Unrehearsed and impromptu we held a hand-fasting with a model who was showing off the bridal wear and a very dapper groom. They entered into the spirit wholeheartedly and Jane read an appropriate piece of poetry.

There was a buzz around our stall after the hand-fasting, showing people what we do is undoubtedly the way forward.

I hope that the warm response we received is translated into some truly magical ceremonies. Both Jane and I would love the opportunity to work at Gilbert White's House, in the Field Study Centre or the gardens there; there is a timeless quality and an authenticity to the surroundings that fits the bill very comfortably.